Libero
In volleyball, a back-row defensive specialist who focuses on receiving and digging rather than attacking.
Definition
In volleyball, the libero is a defensive specialist who plays only in the back row and wears a different-coloured shirt to be easily identified. The role centres on receiving serves and digging attacks, and the libero is subject to special rules that restrict attacking hits and certain plays near the net.
The name is also used historically in football for a free defender, or sweeper, who played behind the main defensive line. In its modern volleyball sense, the libero is valued for steady passing, quick reactions and reliable defence rather than for scoring.
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Rules
- Volleyball rotationThe rule that players rotate one position clockwise each time their team wins back the serve.
- Ball-handling faultsVolleyball faults for catching, carrying or double-contacting the ball rather than cleanly hitting it.
- Backcourt violationA basketball rule breach for returning the ball into a team's own defensive half after it has crossed into the attacking half.
Skills
- SpikingThe volleyball skill of jumping and striking the ball forcefully down into the opponent’s court.
- DiggingThe volleyball skill of controlling a hard-driven ball low to keep it in play.
- SettingThe volleyball skill of accurately placing the ball for a teammate to attack.
- BlockingThe skill of using the hands or body to stop or slow an opponent’s attack.
Techniques
- Volleyball DigA defensive contact that keeps a hard-driven ball in play by passing it up off the forearms, usually from a low position.
- Free ThrowAn unguarded basketball shot taken from the free-throw line, relying on a calm, repeatable routine rather than power.
- Volleyball SetAn overhead pass using the fingertips of both hands to place the ball accurately for a teammate to attack.
- Volleyball SpikeA powerful attacking hit that drives the ball sharply downward over the net into the opponent's court, usually after an approach and jump.
Tactics
- Court coverage and rotationVolleyball positioning where players rotate through positions and cover the court as one coordinated unit.
- Serve-receive formationHow a volleyball team arranges its passers to receive the serve and set up a clean first attack.
- Zone defenceA defensive system where each player guards an area of the court rather than a specific opponent.
- Serve and volleyAn attacking tennis tactic where the server follows their serve to the net to finish the point with a volley.
- Offside trapA defensive football tactic where the back line steps up together to leave an attacker offside.
Positions
- LiberoThe libero is a defensive volleyball specialist who wears a contrasting shirt, plays only in the back row, and cannot attack the ball above the height of the net.
- Defensive midfielderA defensive midfielder sits in front of the defence, breaking up opposition attacks and shielding the back line.
- Middle blockerThe middle blocker plays in the centre of the net, leading the team’s blocking and attacking with fast, quick sets.
- HookerThe hooker is a front-row forward in rugby who wins the ball in the scrum and typically throws the ball into the line-out.
- Goal attackThe goal attack is a versatile netball attacker who both feeds the shooter and scores goals, moving through the centre and attacking thirds.
Facilities
- Volleyball courtA rectangular court split by a high net over which two teams rally the ball, played indoors or on sand.
- Sports hallA large indoor hall with multi-sport line markings, used for court sports like basketball, volleyball and badminton.
- Padel courtAn enclosed court, much smaller than a tennis court, walled with glass and mesh so the ball can be played off the walls.
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- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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